ICE Hockey star Josh Batch believes he has just enjoyed the most successful season of his career.

Batch, who is from Wickford, helped the Cardiff Devils clinch an Elite League treble after beating defending champions Sheffield Steelers 3-1in the play-off final at the National Ice Centre.

And the triumph came after Cardiff had already won the Elite League title and the Erhardt Conference to leave Batch overjoyed.

“I think this has definitely been the best season in my career so far,” said Batch, a former Westcliff High School pupil.

“To retain the league title was a huge accomplishment as it is always harder than winning it the first time.

“To also finish the year on a high with a win at the play-offs was a dream come true.”

Cardiff finished top of the regulation table by 10 points after winning 41 of their 56 matches.

And 27-year-old Batch - who has played internationally for Great Britain - has enjoyed every second of the success.

“This season has been really enjoyable,” said Batch, who started his ice hockey career locally with the Chelmsford Chieftains.

“To experience playing against some of the top teams in Europe as part of the Champions Hockey League was something that offered a lot of valuable lessons and something I won’t forget.

“There have been many highlights this year too.

“Getting the wins in the Champions Hockey League was one, along with Andrew Hotham’s goal in the final minute in Belfast because that secured us the league title.

“But there have been so many great moments to remember.”

The Devils went on to build on their success with the eagerly anticipated win against Sheffield.

Cardiff’s head coach Andrew Lord felt the victory had ‘broken the last curse’ as his side made up for last season’s defeat at the same stage to win the play-off final for the first time since 1999.

And Batch felt Cardiff - who he has played for since 2011 - were rewarded for their hard work behind the scenes.

“I don’t think there are any secrets to the success we’ve had to be honest,” said Batch, who played power forward this season.

“It’s just a lot of planning and preparation, along with attention to detail and a desire to compete every night over the course of the season.”

That led to the Devils enjoying a campaign to remember.

But Batch, whose family still live in Wickford, has now turned his attentions elsewhere for a short period of time.

“The aim for me now is to rest my body a little bit and then finish my exams at university as I plan on graduating in July,” said Batch, who first got into ice hockey after watching the ‘Mighty Ducks’ film in his youth.

“After that I have a holiday booked and I hope to catch up with friends and family who I have neglected during the season!”